MYRModel Year Report

2016 Kia RIO

◆ Worse than typical
2016 Kia RIO
RENDERED 2026-08-02T09:31:27.122Z

This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Kia RIO Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2016 highlighted. 2000: 3 complaints 2000 2001: 223 complaints 2002: 128 complaints 2003: 74 complaints 2003 2004: 38 complaints 2005: 36 complaints 2006: 74 complaints 2006 2007: 46 complaints 2008: 46 complaints 2009: 39 complaints 2009 2010: 26 complaints 2011: 24 complaints 2012: 52 complaints 2012 2013: 153 complaints 2014: 51 complaints 2015: 52 complaints 2015 2016: 77 complaints 2016 2017: 31 complaints 2018: 27 complaints 2018 2019: 21 complaints 2020: 26 complaints 2021: 15 complaints 2021 2022: 10 complaints 2023: 12 complaints 2023
2016: 77 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
20003
2001223
2002128
200374
200438
200536
200674
200746
200846
200939
201026
201124
201252
2013153
201451
201552
201677
201731
201827
201921
202026
202115
202210
202312

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

ENGINE 49%

49% of complaints: engine — 38 distinct reports on file.

FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

I was driving down the road and suddenly my check engine light starts flashing and the vehicle starts surging. I pull over and shut the car off.

NHTSA ODI report, 20231129

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2016 KIA RIO. A MINUTE AFTER THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE, IT CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED.

NHTSA ODI report, 20181023

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 KIA RIO. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED INDEPENDENTLY AFTER A FEW MOMENTS. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES.

NHTSA ODI report, 20161021

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 16%

16% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 12 distinct reports on file.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 9%

9% of complaints: electrical system — 7 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

I was driving down the road and suddenly my check engine light starts flashing and the vehicle starts surging. I pull over and shut the car off.

NHTSA ODI report, 20231129

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2016 KIA RIO. A MINUTE AFTER THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE, IT CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED.

NHTSA ODI report, 20181023

SERVICE BRAKES 6%

6% of complaints: service brakes — 5 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

I was driving down the road and suddenly my check engine light starts flashing and the vehicle starts surging. I pull over and shut the car off.

NHTSA ODI report, 20231129

POWER TRAIN 6%

6% of complaints: power train — 5 distinct reports on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

▮ 2016 — complaint volume: 77
R 20231019 — latches/locks/linkages

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Rio, 2016-2018 Optima, 2017-2018 Optima Hybrid and Optima Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. The trunk latch base may crack, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the trunk latch base subassembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 19, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC278.

Campaign 23V594000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20231117 — AQ (open)

Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires

R 20240329 — service brakes, hydraulic

Kia America, Inc.

Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023.

Campaign 23V652000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2016 Kia RIO — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for engine issues (38 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (12 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (7 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 23V594000 (latches/locks/linkages) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 23V652000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2017 ● 2005 ● 2004

WORST YEARS

■ 2001 ■ 2013 ■ 2002

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2016 Kia RIO reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2016 Kia RIO is rated "worse than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2016 Kia RIO?

The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 49% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2016 Kia RIO have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.